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Foreign ministers

Syrian Foreign Minister Hails Dissolution of PKK as Step towards Restoring Security

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Monday hailed the dissolution of the PKK terror group as a step towards restoring security and ending repeated violence in the region. The announcement was made during a trilateral meeting in Ankara between Syria, Turkey, and Jordan, where the foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military and security coordination. The Syrian leadership is now in the process of implementing a national agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to unify all territories under the authority of the central state. The dissolution of the PKK is seen as a pivotal milestone on the path to restoring legitimate and representative governance in Syria.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, hailed the dissolution of the PKK terror group as a step towards restoring security and ending repeated violence in the region.
  • The Syrian leadership is implementing a national agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to unify all territories under the authority of the central state.
  • The dissolution of the PKK is a key step towards a 'terror-free Turkey', according to the country's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesman, Omer Celik.
  • The Syrian Foreign Minister condemned systematic violations of international law and blatant provocations by Israel, which threaten to ignite the entire region.
  • The Syrian Foreign Minister announced the foundations of a new political phase, including the formation of a national parliament that reflects the full diversity of the Syrian people.
  • Syria has launched structured dialogue and cooperation with Turkey's Foreign Ministry, aimed at building long-term institutional trust.
  • Practical steps have been taken to reopen the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Ankara and to open a new consulate in Gaziantep.
  • An agreement has been reached with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to hold a high-level intergovernmental summit in Damascus in the near future.
  • A strong appeal has been made for the immediate reassessment of sanctions imposed on Syria amid efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrian refugees.

Statistics:

  • The PKK has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants, during its 40-year terror campaign against Turkey.
  • The YPG/PYD is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.
  • The convicted PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called for the dissolution of the PKK and all groups under it, urging an end to its terror campaign in February.
  • The PKK has been listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union.

Sources:

  • Turkish Trkiye News Agency, February 2023 (report on Abdullah Ocalan's call for the dissolution of the PKK)
  • Syrian Arab News Agency, February 2023 (report on the Syrian leadership's implementation of a national agreement with the SDF)
  • Justice and Development (AK) Party, February 2023 (statement by Omer Celik on the dissolution of the PKK)
  • Syrian Arab News Agency, February 2023 (report on the Syrian Foreign Minister's remarks on the dissolution of the PKK)

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